SWIMMERS at Oxford city pools are being offered a new bespoke coaching programme for free.

The Swimfit scheme helps pool users of any age and ability create workout sessions specifically tailored to their needs.

The programme, available free at Barton Pool, the Ferry Leisure Centre in Summertown and Temple Cowley Pools, works through a combination of poolside information cards, web based monitoring and weekly sessions run by a professional trainer.

Mark Lygo, Oxford City Council’s board member for sport, play & school liaison, said: “Swimming is a great way to keep fit but it is also good fun as the whole family can go together.

“This Swimfit programme can help people who want to lose weight and tone up.

“It also gives them the opportunity to structure their swimming sessions.”

Swimmers design a programme using special information cards available at the pools.

Using a dedicated website they can then set individual goals, adapt the sessions and track progress.

In addition, weekly sessions run by a professional swimming trainer will be held at the pools to reinforce the coaching themes and help keep people motivated.

David Hunt, from Barton Pool, said: “The programmes are designed to help keep you motivated, structure your time in the pool, set goals and rewards as you work towards targets you set for yourself.

“It brings the opportunity to join the swimming community, and swim with confidence.”

A national initiative, Swimfit was launched by Olympic world record holders Mark Foster and Sarah Price who gave a special demonstration in London.

Mr Foster said: “A lot of people want to get fitter and healthier, and water buoyancy makes swimming suitable for all shapes and sizes.

“If you don’t like cycling or jogging, try swimming.

“It’s brilliant for burning calories and it’s low impact so will protect against injuries.”

Swimfit has been sponsored by British Gas and the Amateur Swimming Association. It is not funded by Oxford City Council.

For more information and to register go to swimfit.com

The city council is set to ratify a decision to reintroduce charges for older swimmers at a meeting today. Over 60s are due to be charged £2.10 per session at city-run pools following the withdrawal of government funding for free swimming for pensioners, introduced in 2009.

Some free swimming is set to be retained for under 17s.